."

And when I reflected, I could but acknowledge that the worthy
apothecary might be right, and, that I was running after shadows;
but this was only in my occasional fits of despondency. I soon
rallied, and was as sanguine as ever. Undecided how to proceed, and
annoyed by what Cophagus had said, I quitted the hotel, to walk out,
in no very good humour. As I went out, I perceived the agent M'Dermott
speaking to the people in the bar, and the sight of him reminded me of
what, for a moment, I had forgotten, which was, to ascertain whether
Melchior and Sir Henry de Clare were one and the same person. As I
passed a crossing, a man in tattered habiliments, who was sweeping
it, asked for alms, but being in no very charitable humour, I walked
on. He followed me, pestering me so much, that I gave him a tap
with the cane in my hand, saying to him, "Be off, you scoundrel."

"Oh! very well. Be off, is it you mane? By the blood of the
O'Rourkes but you'll answer for that same, anyhow."

I passed on, and having perambulated the city of Dublin for some
time, returned to the hotel. A few minutes afterwards, I was told
by the waiter that a Mr O'Donaghan wished to speak to me. "I have
not the honour of his acquaintance," replied I, "but you may show
him up."

Mr O'Donaghan entered, a tall, thick-whiskered personage, in a
shabby--genteel dress, evidently not made for him, a pair of
white cotton gloves, and a small stick. "I believe that I have the
honour of spaking to the gentleman who crossed over the street
about two hours ago?"

"Upon my word, sir," replied I, "that is so uncertain a definition,
that I can hardly pretend to say whether I am the person you mean;
indeed, from not having the pleasure of any one's acquaintance
in Dublin, I rather think there must be some mistake."

"The devil a bit of a mistake, at all at all; for there's the
little bit of cane with which you paid my friend, Mr O'Rourke, the
compliment over his shoulders."

"I really am quite mystified, sir, and do not understand you; will
you favour me with an explanation?"

"With all the pleasure in life, for then we shall come to a right
understanding. You were crossing the street, and a gentleman, a
particular friend of mine, with a broom which he carries for his own
amusement, did himself the honour to address you, whereupon of that
same little stick of yours, you did him the honour to give him a
slight taste."

"What do you mean? do you refer to the swe